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Background   
Common Midas Concepts   
   + Version Numbering   
   + Basic Features   
   + Data Types   
   - Blue Files   
      - Basics   
      - Structure   
      - Detached   
      - File Types   
         - Type 1000   
         - Type 2000   
         - Type 3000   
         - Type 5000   
         - Type 6000   
      - Extended Type 3000/5000   
      - Qualifiers   
      - Trimmers   
      - ConsLength   
      - Time Code   
   + Lab 1   
Getting Started - Part 1   
Getting Started - Part 2   
Working with Files   
Option Trees   
Macros - Part 1 (Basics)   
Macros - Part 2 (Graphics)   
NetBeans - Part 1 (Setup)   
NetBeans - Part 2 (GUIs)   
NetBeans - Part 3 (Profiler)   
Eclipse - Part 1 (Setup)   
Eclipse - Part 2 (GUIs)   
Primitives   
Applets & WebStart   
Maps & Imagery   
X-Midas Interoperability   
RMIF & Remoting   
Installing NeXtMidas   
Support & Maintenance   
File Handlers   


  • Midas Blue Files:
    • The Midas Blue File is the standard binary file format used by modern Midas frameworks.
      • Blue files are so ubiquitous in Midas applications that many people erroneously refer to a Blue file as simply a "Midas File".
      • Blue files are designed to efficiently store one-dimensional or two-dimensional signal data as well as record-based information.
  • History:
    • The Blue file format was preceded by the Gold file format.
      • Gold files have not been used for several years now.
      • These days when people talk about a "gold file" this is in reference to a standard or "gold copy" of a file and not a file in the Gold file format.
    • The design of Blue files grew out of the Midas community over several decades.
  • Extensions:
    • Typically Blue Files use either a .prm or a .tmp extension.
      • The original intent was for .prm files to be "permanent" and .tmp files to be "temporary," but this is rarely followed.
      • If a file is specified without an extension, most Midas frameworks will automatically add either a .prm or a .tmp extension on. (This has led to confusion and it is best to avoid this "feature.")